Chris Wilder named Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month

5 May 2017

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has been named the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month for April.

When a side clinches promotion early, they sometimes relax too much. Wilder refused to allow it to happen, setting his title-winning players the target of 100 points. They reached it by winning all six of their April fixtures with a 16-3 goal differential.

Wilder said: "To go 17 games unbeaten and win nine on the spin in the business end of the season and then get promoted at Northampton, and keep going to win the title and to get 100 points is an exceptional achievement by everyone.

“Sometimes it’s difficult when you do achieve what you set out to do, which was to get promoted, and then win the championship and then have three games after that where we could’ve just said “that’s us done, we’ve had a great season, thanks very much”, but to win the last three games in the manner that we’ve done it was a terrific achievement.”

George Burley chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel. He said: “What Chris has achieved this season must be one of the best managerial performances across all three divisions of the EFL.

“Sheffield United not only clinched promotion early, but carried their impressive form throughout April, winning all six games with a goal difference of 16 for and three against.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Wilder is one of the hottest managerial properties in English football after leading his teams to consecutive titles in Sky Bet League Two and One.

“His players buy into his philosophy wholeheartedly and it’s testament to the belief he instills that they romped to the league after securing promotion early in the month.”

“The six straight wins in April saw the team reach the 100-point mark which seemed a long way off after the sticky start in August. Chris has done an absolutely fantastic job and must be relishing next season in the Championship.”